Samford + Hinterland Arts Trail
The Arts Trail is supported by Creative Samford Inc. and has been a popular event run across the hinterland region since 2015. Formerly known as Samford & Surrounds Arts Trail & Open Studios, the event provides opportunities for artists to open their studios to visitors, run workshops and engage with the public each Saturday and Sunday during the month of June. I’ve participated in Trails since 2022 when I first opened The Hay Shed (my working studio and gallery on Two Rivers Farm) to over 250 visitors, collaborating with artist Kathryn Tombs, who has become a treasured friend. In 2023 I exhibited with Trails in The Back Room – a pop-up gallery space in Dayboro township – with 9 other artists. The space was unavailable for 2024 so 8 artists exhibited at the Dayboro Showgrounds, calling ourselves The Pavilion Artists. The Pavilion Artists collective exhibited again in 2025. The Pavilion Artists collective has subsequently morphed into its own entity, not solely exhibiting during Trails, and has remained a group based in collaboration, care and support.
Trails’ 10th anniversary was celebrated in 2024, and it was my honour to be engaged as the Trails Coordinator that year. Although it was a huge responsibility and a lot of volunteer hours, it was incredibly rewarding to work with fantastic artists and artisans of the Moreton Bay hinterland region – a very soul-filling experience.
Photo acknowledgment: Photos courtesy of the artist
